Whole blood smears from known diploid (A, C, E) and triploid (B, D, F) Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) were stained with Diff Quik and imaged with a cell phone attached to a field microscope (A and B) or an Olympus microscope connected to a digital camera (C-F). Polystyrene standard beads can be noted. Total magnification was 600x with the
Jill Jenkins, Ph.D.
Jill Jenkins is a Research Microbiologist at the USGS Wetland and Aquatic Research Center.
Jill Jenkins’ efforts emphasize the study of potential impacts of environmental stressors at the cellular and molecular levels. Her major areas of focus include biomarker development, endocrine disruption, genetics, and comparative immunology. Key laboratory biotechnologies she uses are photomicroscopy and flow cytometry. Primary cell types studied are blood and spermatozoa, and assays are tailored to the particular species requirements and hypotheses being addressed.
Jenkins specializes in the development and application of biomarkers; these are measures of variables that respond in quantifiable ways to changes in the environment. The choice of particular biomarkers at specific biological levels of organization (such as genetic, cellular, tissue, hormonal, and organismal levels) depends on the study at hand. Because molecular and biochemical responses of cells are preceded by chemical changes in nuclei, cytoplasm, membranes, and extracellular fluids, these responses can be diagnostic and contribute to an assessment of ecosystem health.
BACKGROUND
1991-1992: Postdoctoral Res.; Reproductive Genetics Labs, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Univ. of TN, with Stephen Wachtel
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 15
Revolutionizing Water Quality Assessment: Chemical Pollutants Alter Bacterial Metabolism
USGS scientists have advanced methods to measure bacterial activity in environmental waters. Their research showed that when bacteria naturally in the water are exposed to substances like pharmaceuticals, herbicides, and antimicrobials, their normal functions are disrupted. This finding suggests that monitoring bacterial activity could provide early warnings about potential problems with water...
Flow Cytometry Applied to the Animal Kingdom in Studies of Natural Resource Science
Flow cytometry is a technique for rapidly analyzing large numbers of animal cells using light-scattering, fluorescence, and absorbance measurements.
Development of a Ploidy Distinction Application: A Machine Learning Approach for Discriminating Triploid and Diploid Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) in the Field
USGS scientists are researching a machine learning approach that can enable fisheries personnel in the field to determine the ploidy of wild-caught invasive carp.
Laboratory Investigations with Fish Species to Assist with Implementing Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program’s Ecological Management Action Plans
WARC scientists will obtain live fish specimens from the field to conduct and enhance on-going laboratory research on harmful algal blooms and the use of piscicides to control invasive fish.
Photomicroscopy and Flow Cytometry Core Technology Team
About the Research The Photomicroscopy and Flow Cytometry Core Technology Team (CTT) as part of the Environmental Health Program works to develop and apply biomarkers to evaluate the potential impacts of environmental contaminants at cellular and molecular levels. Because molecular and biochemical responses of cells are preceded by chemical changes in nuclei, cytoplasm, membranes, and...
Outlining Potential Health Effects of Exposure to Critical Elements: From Chemical Structure to Adverse Outcome Pathways
The Federal Government was charged with ensuring a reliable supply of critical minerals from within the U.S., and to further this policy in a safe and environmentally responsible manner by identifying new sources of critical elements. The objective of this research is to delineate anticipated adverse outcome pathways for the critical elements.
Detecting Sublethal Effects of Harmful Algal Blooms in Mammalian and Avian Cells
USGS Researchers are collaborating to study avian and mammalian cells to detect sublethal toxin effects following exposure to harmful algal blooms.
Comparative Freshwater Fish Toxicity Testing of Antimycin A
Researchers are investigating the influence of Antimycin A on invasive carp and non-target fishes by measuring the effects of a novel species-specific bait formulation.
Computer-Assisted Sperm Motion Analysis in Measuring Reproductive Effects in Bass
The objective of this research is to assess the sensitivity of female and male LMB reproductive capabilities at the time of year when they are physiologically preparing for spawning season (also known as gonad recrudescence).
Studying Immune Responses in the American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)
The objectives of this study are to (1) investigate whether the immune system will respond to chemical stressors, such as new flame retardant compounds, and (2) determine if such chemical stressors influence white blood cells (WBC) responses after exposure to a viral pathogen mimicking bird flu.
Detecting Differences in Bacterial Metabolism in the Buffalo National River
Each year, the Buffalo National River (BUFF) attracts 1.6 million visitors, many of whom enjoy recreational water activities. Since 2013, a confined animal feeding operation (CAFO) for swine has been operating on Big Creek, a BUFF tributary.
A Website Tool for Predicting Triploidy in Larval Fish Spawns
Differentiating diploids from triploids at the earliest life stage possible allows for a more efficient use of resources including production time and rearing space. Thus, a reliable flow cytometric (FCM) method has been developed to discriminate triploids from diploids at the larval stage. In order to help simplify the process of differentiating triploids from diploids, we propose a simple...
Whole blood smears from known diploid and triploid Grass Carp
Whole blood smears from known diploid (A, C, E) and triploid (B, D, F) Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) were stained with Diff Quik and imaged with a cell phone attached to a field microscope (A and B) or an Olympus microscope connected to a digital camera (C-F). Polystyrene standard beads can be noted. Total magnification was 600x with the
Eosin-nigrosin staining of spermatozoa from common carp
Eosin-nigrosin staining of spermatozoa from common carp (Cyprinus carpio) testes collected from the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada
Eosin-nigrosin staining of spermatozoa from common carp (Cyprinus carpio) testes collected from the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada
Microscopic video imaging for computerized analysis of sperm motility
Microscopic video imaging is used for computerized analysis of sperm motility parameters
Microscopic video imaging is used for computerized analysis of sperm motility parameters
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 15
Revolutionizing Water Quality Assessment: Chemical Pollutants Alter Bacterial Metabolism
USGS scientists have advanced methods to measure bacterial activity in environmental waters. Their research showed that when bacteria naturally in the water are exposed to substances like pharmaceuticals, herbicides, and antimicrobials, their normal functions are disrupted. This finding suggests that monitoring bacterial activity could provide early warnings about potential problems with water...
Flow Cytometry Applied to the Animal Kingdom in Studies of Natural Resource Science
Flow cytometry is a technique for rapidly analyzing large numbers of animal cells using light-scattering, fluorescence, and absorbance measurements.
Development of a Ploidy Distinction Application: A Machine Learning Approach for Discriminating Triploid and Diploid Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) in the Field
USGS scientists are researching a machine learning approach that can enable fisheries personnel in the field to determine the ploidy of wild-caught invasive carp.
Laboratory Investigations with Fish Species to Assist with Implementing Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program’s Ecological Management Action Plans
WARC scientists will obtain live fish specimens from the field to conduct and enhance on-going laboratory research on harmful algal blooms and the use of piscicides to control invasive fish.
Photomicroscopy and Flow Cytometry Core Technology Team
About the Research The Photomicroscopy and Flow Cytometry Core Technology Team (CTT) as part of the Environmental Health Program works to develop and apply biomarkers to evaluate the potential impacts of environmental contaminants at cellular and molecular levels. Because molecular and biochemical responses of cells are preceded by chemical changes in nuclei, cytoplasm, membranes, and...
Outlining Potential Health Effects of Exposure to Critical Elements: From Chemical Structure to Adverse Outcome Pathways
The Federal Government was charged with ensuring a reliable supply of critical minerals from within the U.S., and to further this policy in a safe and environmentally responsible manner by identifying new sources of critical elements. The objective of this research is to delineate anticipated adverse outcome pathways for the critical elements.
Detecting Sublethal Effects of Harmful Algal Blooms in Mammalian and Avian Cells
USGS Researchers are collaborating to study avian and mammalian cells to detect sublethal toxin effects following exposure to harmful algal blooms.
Comparative Freshwater Fish Toxicity Testing of Antimycin A
Researchers are investigating the influence of Antimycin A on invasive carp and non-target fishes by measuring the effects of a novel species-specific bait formulation.
Computer-Assisted Sperm Motion Analysis in Measuring Reproductive Effects in Bass
The objective of this research is to assess the sensitivity of female and male LMB reproductive capabilities at the time of year when they are physiologically preparing for spawning season (also known as gonad recrudescence).
Studying Immune Responses in the American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)
The objectives of this study are to (1) investigate whether the immune system will respond to chemical stressors, such as new flame retardant compounds, and (2) determine if such chemical stressors influence white blood cells (WBC) responses after exposure to a viral pathogen mimicking bird flu.
Detecting Differences in Bacterial Metabolism in the Buffalo National River
Each year, the Buffalo National River (BUFF) attracts 1.6 million visitors, many of whom enjoy recreational water activities. Since 2013, a confined animal feeding operation (CAFO) for swine has been operating on Big Creek, a BUFF tributary.
A Website Tool for Predicting Triploidy in Larval Fish Spawns
Differentiating diploids from triploids at the earliest life stage possible allows for a more efficient use of resources including production time and rearing space. Thus, a reliable flow cytometric (FCM) method has been developed to discriminate triploids from diploids at the larval stage. In order to help simplify the process of differentiating triploids from diploids, we propose a simple...
Whole blood smears from known diploid and triploid Grass Carp
Whole blood smears from known diploid (A, C, E) and triploid (B, D, F) Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) were stained with Diff Quik and imaged with a cell phone attached to a field microscope (A and B) or an Olympus microscope connected to a digital camera (C-F). Polystyrene standard beads can be noted. Total magnification was 600x with the
Whole blood smears from known diploid (A, C, E) and triploid (B, D, F) Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) were stained with Diff Quik and imaged with a cell phone attached to a field microscope (A and B) or an Olympus microscope connected to a digital camera (C-F). Polystyrene standard beads can be noted. Total magnification was 600x with the
Eosin-nigrosin staining of spermatozoa from common carp
Eosin-nigrosin staining of spermatozoa from common carp (Cyprinus carpio) testes collected from the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada
Eosin-nigrosin staining of spermatozoa from common carp (Cyprinus carpio) testes collected from the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada
Microscopic video imaging for computerized analysis of sperm motility
Microscopic video imaging is used for computerized analysis of sperm motility parameters
Microscopic video imaging is used for computerized analysis of sperm motility parameters